AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, you are.” His eyes flash with hidden meaning. I wish I could read him better. “Now, go get ready. I have a meeting first thing.”
“Can’t do that.” I shake my head, enjoying the way his mask cracks, revealing his growing annoyance.
When I don’t elaborate, he asks, “Why not?”
I raise one brow in a mock portrayal of his favorite expression. “Well, I’m pretty sure that would ruin the whole keeping our marriage a secret thing, don’t you think? Or do you want the whole office to just jump to the conclusion that I’m sleeping with you to get a promotion? Because I can promise you they won’t guess we’re married.”
His teeth clack together, and a muscle ticks in his jaw. “That’s why we should announce it.”
“No, we…we can’t.” Coldness freezes in my lungs, preventing me from taking in a breath. The last thing I need is for news of our marriage to get out and my parents to see. “You agreed.”
I expect to see anger, but it’s concern creasing his brow. “Why is that one of your rules, wife?”
A shiver rolls through me, and I try to suppress my reaction to the title. I swallow hard. “Telling you isn’t a part of our agreement.”
“Fine.” He cracks his jaw from side to side. “Nicholas will drive you.”
I smile at his attempt to stay calm and can’t resist giving his control a little shove. “Actually, I have the morning booked off.”
“Who approved that?” He practically growls out the word.
“My husband.” I smirk.
He visibly softens in front of me and rests a hand on the counter, a slow smirk curving his mouth. “Why would he do that?”
“Because I asked him to.” I meet his gaze, playfulness evaporating. “I need the morning to speak with my friends.”
He watches me for several moments before nodding. “Nicholas will be waiting for you when you leave. We’ll have lunch at the office.”
“Oh, that’s not going to happen. You’re really bad at this whole covert thing.”
He tilts his head and bites his lips. “Apparently, only when it comes to you. I expect to see you this afternoon.”
“Yes, boss.” I roll my eyes.
He crowds me, my coffee pressed between our chests. “What happened to husband?”
Heat builds in my lower stomach. I need to get away from him before I do something stupid, like kiss him.
“It’s a secret,” I stage-whisper.
He leans in and brushes his lips over my forehead, his words a caress. “Not when we’re alone.”
He shifts so his dark gaze meets mine, and time stops with the intensity of the moment. The air grows thick with the tension surrounding us, making it hard to breathe. He doesn’t look away, instead scanning my face for any reaction. My carefully protected heart starts to crack open, and fear seeps in. I can’t do this.
His brows pull together, eyes scanning rapidly between mine.
“What’s wrong?” His voice comes like he’s speaking to a scared animal.
“I…I have to get ready.” He’s still in front of me and doesn’t move when I try to skirt around him. “Please, let me go.”
The plea in my voice startles him, and he steps back so fast his back bangs into the counter.
The glint of my silver bracelet catches my eye. “What the hell is this?”
“You said no ring. You didn’t think I’d marry you and let you walk around without something that marks you as mine?”
“I can’t take it off.” It’s not so tight that it imprints my skin, but it can’t be removed.
